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A lack of information regarding local cowpea cultivars is one reason why new varieties are not being adopted or introduced in Benin’s agro-ecological production zones. As for yam, cultivation typically begins the crop rotation cycle following the clearing of wooded fallow land. Consequently, bringing these fallow lands into cultivation challenges the role of yam in farmers' cropping patterns. Researchers are developing alternatives to these long-duration natural fallows, yet adoption remains slow. Nevertheless, the total area dedicated to yam cultivation continues to expand. This study aimed to assess the diversity of local cowpea and yam cultivars and to examine the evolution of yam production systems. Socio-economic surveys were conducted in Benin’s Sudan-Guinean zone, focusing on the gender-based participatory selection of local cowpea cultivars and the diversity of yam cultivars, while also considering how farmers are adapting their yam production systems. The document highlights the methodological approaches employed, as well as the results and analyses derived from the study.